Essays (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Essays
Writing a successful essay requires careful planning, proper structure, and attention to language use. This guide will help you understand the key elements that examiners look for in your NSC English FAL essays.
Planning, drafting and editing
The importance of preparation
Examiners expect to see evidence of thoughtful planning and revision in your work. A well-structured essay demonstrates that you have taken time to organise your thoughts before writing.
Start with a planning method:
- Create a mind-map to brainstorm ideas and connections
- Use a spider diagram to organise related concepts
- Develop a paragraph plan to outline your essay structure
These planning tools help you structure your ideas and ensure your essay follows a clear, logical flow from beginning to end.
Essential Planning Questions
Before you begin writing, consider these fundamental questions:
- Who are the key people or characters involved?
- What is the main issue or topic you're discussing?
- When did events take place or when is the topic relevant?
- Where does your topic or argument apply?
- Why is this topic important or significant?
- How do different elements connect to support your argument?
The drafting process
Always write a first draught before your final version. This allows you to:
- Check grammar, spelling, and structure (especially paragraphing)
- Make revisions using a different coloured pen or pencil
- Clearly distinguish between your first draught and final version
This process shows examiners that you understand the importance of revision in creating quality writing.
Register (tone and style)
Understanding formal language
Your essay should use formal language throughout. This means avoiding slang, contractions, and overly casual expressions that might appear in everyday conversation.
Maintain proper grammar and sentence structure to demonstrate your command of English. Here are examples of how to transform informal writing into appropriate academic language:
Worked Example: Transforming Informal to Formal Language
Informal writing: "I and my tjomies checked out the chicks at the local joint."
Formal writing: "My friends and I watched the girls at the local shop."
Informal writing: "She was so hot and I fell inluv."
Formal writing:
"She was very attractive, and I fell in love."
Notice how the formal versions use standard English, proper word order, and complete words rather than slang or abbreviated forms.
Grammar, spelling and punctuation
The importance of correct paragraphing
Correct paragraphing is crucial - never submit a one-block essay. Each paragraph should contain a distinct idea or argument that contributes to your overall thesis. Proper paragraphing helps readers follow your reasoning and shows that you understand essay structure.
Ensure proper punctuation to avoid confusion and maintain clarity throughout your writing.
Common grammar mistakes to avoid
Understanding these frequent errors will help you improve your writing:
Worked Examples: Common Grammar Mistakes
Comma-splice error (joining sentences incorrectly with a comma):
- Incorrect: "He was putting it all on the field, his heart, his soul and his love for school."
- Correct: "He was putting it all on the field—his heart, his soul, and his love for school."
Dangling participle (misplaced phrase):
- Incorrect: "Speeding down the hallway the door to his Maths class came into view."
- Correct: "As Jabu was speeding down the hallway, the door to his Maths class came into view."
Errors of concord (subject-verb agreement):
- Incorrect: "The class of learners are going on an excursion next Friday."
- Correct: "The class of learners is going on an excursion next Friday."
Tense errors:
- Incorrect: "She walk to school every day."
- Correct: "She walks to school every day."
Language usage and style
Maintaining appropriate language
Avoid profanity, slang, or informal phrases such as "kinda," "like," or "really" in formal essay writing. These expressions weaken your argument and reduce the academic tone of your work.
Handling code-switching
If you use code-switching (incorporating another language), ensure you clearly explain the meaning for your reader. For example:
"Eish! He was caught and there was no way out. It was déjà vu (a situation that feels like it has happened before)."
Using idiomatic expressions
Use idiomatic expressions carefully - they should enhance your meaning, not create confusion. Make sure any figurative language you use actually adds value to your argument.
Coherence and structure
Linking paragraphs logically
Create smooth connections between your paragraphs using appropriate transition words:
Transition Words Categories
Continuity words (showing similarity or addition):
- Similarly, moreover, additionally, likewise
Contrast words (showing difference or opposition):
- However, although, despite, nonetheless
Conclusion words (showing result or summary):
- Thus, therefore, in conclusion
Topic sentences and paragraph focus
Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Begin paragraphs with clear topic sentences that indicate what the paragraph will discuss. Ensure clear transitions between paragraphs to guide your reader through your argument.
Worked Example: Improving Coherence
Poor coherence: "She ran quickly. She had to finish her essay. It was due in five minutes."
Improved coherence: "She ran quickly because her essay was due in five minutes."
Sentence structure and variety
Creating engaging writing
Vary your sentence length to create rhythm and maintain reader interest:
- Use short sentences for impact when making important points
- Combine longer sentences for flow when explaining complex ideas
Choosing strong vocabulary
Use strong verbs and adjectives to make your writing more powerful and precise:
- Instead of "I like shopping," write "I enjoy shopping"
- Instead of "He was sad," write "He was devastated"
Worked Examples: Strengthening Your Writing
Weak writing: "She was really mad at him."
Stronger writing: "She was furious with him."
Weak writing: "He walked slowly to school."
Stronger writing: "He trudged to school."
Structuring your essay
Introduction
Your introduction should accomplish two main goals:
Introduction Requirements
- Capture attention using a hook, quote, or thought-provoking question
- Clearly state your main argument or thesis so readers understand your position
Body paragraphs
Each body paragraph should:
Body Paragraph Requirements
- Focus on one main idea that supports your thesis
- Use examples and evidence to support your points and strengthen your argument
Conclusion
An effective conclusion will:
Conclusion Requirements
- Summarise key points from your essay
- Reinforce your argument without simply repeating what you said in the introduction
- End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression
Creativity and style
Using imagery effectively
Imagery makes writing more engaging and helps readers visualise your points. Transform basic descriptions into vivid pictures:
Worked Example: Creating Vivid Imagery
Instead of: "It was a hot day" Write: "The red-hot sun scorched the African landscape"
Making effective comparisons
Use contrast and comparisons to clarify your points:
Example: "The rich, moist wetlands of St Lucia are nothing like my home in Namibia."
Avoiding clichés
Avoid clichés that make your writing seem unoriginal:
Worked Example: Avoiding Clichés
Instead of: "It was a beautiful summer's day" Try: "The golden sun bathed the town in warmth"
Common mistakes to avoid
Major Essay Pitfalls to Avoid
Understanding these frequent problems will help you improve your essay quality:
- Lack of planning leads to disorganised writing that confuses readers
- Poor paragraphing makes it difficult to follow your argument
- Tense inconsistency reduces clarity and professionalism
- Repetition weakens the impact of your points
- Informal language reduces marks in formal writing assessments
Final exam tips
Presentation and proofreading
- Write neatly and clearly - illegible writing cannot earn marks
- Read your essay out loud to identify awkward phrasing
- Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
- Be concise - avoid unnecessarily long-winded explanations that lose focus
Time management
Remember that good essays require time for planning, writing, and revision. Allocate your exam time accordingly to ensure you can complete each stage of the writing process effectively.
Key Points to Remember:
- Always plan your essay before writing - use mind-maps, spider diagrams, or paragraph plans
- Maintain formal language throughout and avoid slang or informal expressions
- Each paragraph should focus on one main idea with clear transitions between them
- Vary your sentence structure and use strong, precise vocabulary
- Always proofread your final work for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors